image catalogs: how they changed my life!
TRANSCRIPT
Image Catalogs:
How They Changed My Life!
Jeff Carey
Gateway/400 Group Thursday, September 13, 2012
Agenda
• Reason
• Basics
• Uses
• Other stuff: – Moving images
– Annoyances
– Cleanup
– V5R3 & V5R4
– 6.1 & 7.1
The Problem
• LPAR’ed systems may not have a physical CD-ROM for each LPAR
• During upgrades, much time was spent waiting for the next volume
The Solution
• Virtual Optical – CD format is universal
– CD images are loaded into the Integrated File System
– A new object called an “Image Catalog” associates these images with a virtual optical device
– Image catalog works like a CD changer, automatically loading one disc after another
Virtual Optical Basics
Image File Image
Catalog Virtual Optical
Device
CREATE A VIRTUAL OPTICAL DEVICE
• CRTDEVOPT DEVD(OPTVRT01) RSRCNAME(*VRT) ONLINE(*YES) TEXT(description)
• Vary on the virtual optical device
CREATE AN IMAGE CATALOG
• CRTIMGCLG IMGCLG(catalog-name) DIR(catalog-path) CRTDIR(*YES) TEXT(image-catalog-description)
– Suggest making the path something obvious, e.g.:
• /imgclg/QUPGRADE1
• /imgclg/CUMEPTFS
ADD AN IMAGE CATALOG ENTRY
• This is where the CD image becomes associated with the virtual optical drive
• Where does this image come from?
– Physical IBM i CD-ROM
• ADDIMGCLGE IMGCLG(catalog-name) FROMDEV(OPT01) TOFILE(file-name) TEXT(text-description)
– IFS (more later)
• ADDIMGCLGE IMGCLG(catalog-name) FROMFILE(/directory-name/file-name) TOFILE(file-name or *GEN) TEXT(text-description)
– Note if the file is not in the image catalog directory, this makes a duplicate of the image file in the image catalog directory
– Even if the file is in the image catalog directory, this will create another file
ADD AN IMAGE CATALOG ENTRY, cont’d.
• To avoid creating a duplicate of the image file, make sure the image file is already in the image catalog directory and use this command:
ADDIMGCLGE IMGCLG(catalog-name) FROMFILE(file-name) TOFILE(*FROMFILE) TEXT(text-description)
• Note the syntax was FROMFILE(file-name), not FROMFILE(/directory-name/directory-name/file-name), but now either works
ADD AN IMAGE CATALOG ENTRY, cont’d.
• ADDIMGCLGE IMGCLG(QUPGRADE2) FROMFILE('/imgclg/qupgrade2/sf99039_1.bin') TOFILE(*fromfile)
– This gives errors: • CPDBC29 Image already exists in image catalog QUPGRADE2.
• CPFBC28 Image catalog entry not added to image catalog QUPGRADE2.
• Correct version:
ADDIMGCLGE IMGCLG(QUPGRADE2) FROMFILE('sf99039_1.bin') TOFILE(*fromfile)
ANNOYANCE #1
FIXED V5R3
ADD AN IMAGE CATALOG ENTRY, cont’d.
• ADDIMGCLGE
• LODIMGCLG
• WRKIMGCLGE
– ALL REQUIRE *ALLOBJ AND *SECADM SPECIAL AUTHORITIES
ANNOYANCE #2
FIXED V5R4
WRKIMGCLGE Work with Image Catalog Entries Image Catalog . . . . . . . : QUPGRADE1 Image Catalog Status . . . . : Not ready Virtual optical device . . . : Directory . . . . . . . . . : /imgclg/qupgrade1 Type options, press Enter. 1=Add 2=Change 4=Remove 6=Mount 8=Load 9=Unload Opt Index Status Image File Name *AVAIL 1 Mounted sf99520_4.bin 2 Loaded sf99520_5.bin 3 Loaded sf99520_6.bin 4 Loaded sf99520_7.bin 5 Loaded sf99520_8.bin 6 Loaded sf99520_1.bin 7 Loaded sf99520_2.bin 8 Loaded sf99520_3.bin
LOAD THE IMAGE CATALOG
• LODIMGCLG IMGCLG(catalog-name) DEV(OPTVRT01) OPTION(*LOAD)
Work with Image Catalog Entries
Image Catalog . . . . . . . : QUPGRADE1
Image Catalog Status . . . . : Ready
Virtual optical device . . . : OPTVRT01
Directory . . . . . . . . . : /imgclg/qupgrade1
Type options, press Enter.
1=Add 2=Change 4=Remove 6=Mount 8=Load 9=Unload
Opt Index Status Image File Name
*AVAIL
1 Mounted sf99520_4.bin
2 Loaded sf99520_5.bin
3 Loaded sf99520_6.bin
4 Loaded sf99520_7.bin
5 Loaded sf99520_8.bin
Verify the images are in the correct order
• F7 from WRKIMGCLGE screen
• VFYIMGCLG command – SORT parameter will put images in order (for upgrades) – TYPE parameter is only *UPGRADE for V5R1
• *PTF – to verify that all images are PTF’s (will unload any that are not)
• *OTHER – does nothing! The image catalog to be verified is not for a specific type of
install. This option will load the images from the image catalog in the order they exist. There will be no verification or sorting of images.
• Note for an upgrade, the load source must have be at least at least 1.5 GB free for V6R1 or 2 GB free for 7.1
Where do these image files
come from?
Where do these image files
come from?
Creating the image file in the IFS
• Upgrade media:
– from IBM i CD • PTF’s
– From CD • IBM i • PC (more later)
– From Fix Central web site • Select “Download from FTP server” You’ll get an email with instructions
to download. The fastest way is directly to the IBM i IFS, if possible.
– Download Director to help process • Included in V5R4+ • PTF SI19413 for V5R3
• Other
– More later!
Creating an image from a physical CD
• CD file format is platform independent, so about any sort of CD could be read into an image
• Use CD burning software that allows you to create an image on your hard drive
– Nero
– CloneCD
– Easy CD Creator®
– UltraISO (Shareware) • Tips
– Might need to rename as .iso file
– Standard data format for single session CDs (for example, "Data CD" or "Mode 1 CD-ROM")
– RAW data mode
– Disc-at-Once (not Track-at-Once)
– http://www-947.ibm.com/systems/support/i/fixes/installfixftpsrv.html
Getting image from PC to the IFS
• FTP is the fastest • Graphical freeware/shareware FTP clients
(e.g. SmartFTP), but native always works! ftp IBM i_name your_user_id your_password bin prompt quote site namefmt 1 cd /imgclg/qupgrade2 lcd pc_directory put sf99085_1.iso
• ftp – opens ftp session • bin – specifies you are transferring a binary
file (good idea to use al the time, as it will transfer text files just file too).
• prompt, quote, site namefmt 1 – this sequence issues the IBM i namefmt command, which allows you to FTP to the IFS (as opposed to the QSYS file system)
• cd – changes the directory on the IBM i • lcd – changes the directory on your PC • put – puts the file on the IBM i
Installs with Virtual Optical
• Follow the manual!
• Check out InfoCenter for requisite PTF’s
• 6.1 (see APAR II14310) – from V5R3M0 - SI28698, MF42598, MF43199
– from V5R3M5 - SI28698, MF42599, MF43355
– from V5R4M0 - SI35849, MF42600, MF43154, MF47159
– from V5R4M5 - SI35849, MF42601, MF43157, MF47160, MF51308
– from V6R1M0 - SI35186, SI35189, MF47203, MF51355
• 7.1 (see APAR II14482) – from V5R4M0 - SI35849, MF42600, MF43154, MF46264, MF47159
– from V5R4M5 - SI35849, MF42601, MF43157, MF46288, MF47160, MF51308
– from V6R1M0 - SI39390, SI35186, SI35189, MF46292, MF47203, MF51355
– from V6R1M1 - SI39390, SI35186, SI35189, MF47204, MF51455
– from V7R1M0 - MF50235, SI41276, MF51411
• Can use the virtual optical disks for preparation
– (Work with Licensed Programs for Target Release)
• For V5R2+ (automatic install)
– PWRDWNSYS OPTION(*IMMED) RESTART(*YES) IPLSRC(*IMGCLG) IMGCLG(catalog-name)
Fixes with Virtual Optical
• Just like using physical media, just specify the virtual optical drive in place of the physical one
Wait a minute!
• The CD format is universal
• IBM i vendors often deliver software on CD
• Can I take a CD from my IBM i software vendor, burn it on my PC, FTP it to the IBM i and run it from a virtual CD?
YES!
Other uses of Virtual Optical
• Third party software – Eliminates contention for physical CD-ROM drives – FTP might be faster and cheaper than sending physical CD – Of course, only V5R2 or later
• Optical drive for IXS / IXA
• Note – NOT AVAILABLE for Linux on iSCSI (Extended Integrated Server Support for IBM i (5761-LSV) no longer supported with 7.1)
• Optical drive for hosted Linux partition – Much Linux software distributed as iso files – Can install partition from virtual CD:
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/iseries/v6r1m0/index.jsp?topic=/rzalm/rzalmifs.htm
7.1 reference?
Moving image catalogs between systems
• IBM documents 4 ways:
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/iseries/v7r1m0/index.jsp?topic=/rzam4/rzam4movevirt.htm
– FTP
– System i® Navigator
• Drag and drop
• Management Central
– IASP
– QFilesvr.400 (largest file 4GB)
• iSeries Navigator tends to be slow in most environments
• IASP a bit of overkill if just for image catalogs
• QFilesvr.400 seems difficult, at best
• Can save to tape of course
– Could even create a distribution tape for installs
– Can be saved flag (more later)
• NFS
• FTP
– Best method is to create two SAVF: • One for images • One for *IMGCLG
– Save objects to the SAVFs: • SAV the image directory (e.g. /imgclg/qugrade1) • SAVOBJ the *IMGCLG to the other (it’s in QUSRSYS)
• Each CD image can be 650MB, so the directory can be large • FTP IBM i to IBM i for best speed • If on same LPAR’ed system, use Virtual Ethernet
• If installed, can use ObjectConnect (Option 22)
– SAVRST for image catalog directory – SAVRSTOBJ for image catalog object
Moving image catalogs between systems
cont’d.
GUI Support
• Support for non-tape image catalogs in iSeries Navigator
GUI Support
THIS SLIDE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
WATCH OUT!
• Other minor annoyances
– “Disappearing” image catalog
– Work with Licensed Programs for Target Release
– “Can be saved” flag
– Did I mention the SECADM/ALLOBJ thing?
ANNOYANCE
Disappearing Image Catalog
• WRKOPTVOL DEV(OPTVRT01) CSI(*NONE)
Disappearing Image Catalog
• Unload or even unmount entry in WRKIMGCLGE
– Option 8 will change it from MOUNTED to LOADED
Disappearing Image Catalog
• Unload or even unmount entry in WRKIMGCLGE – Option 8 will change it from MOUNTED to LOADED
Disappearing Image Catalog
• WRKOPTVOL DEV(OPTVRT01) CSI(*NONE)
– “Oh good, nothing loaded!” he thought . . .
Disappearing Image Catalog
• LODIMGCLG IMGCLG(QUPGRADE1) DEV(OPTVRT01)
Disappearing Image Catalog
• Details are in the job log:
• In V5R3+ – use WRKIMGCLG
Disappearing Image Catalog
• WRKIMGCLG (V5R3 +)
Work with Licensed Programs
for Target Release
• When doing “GO PTF”, Option 8, “Install program temporary fix package” and using an image catalog, the system will do a VFYIMGCLG for you
• When building a list for an OS upgrade using “GO LICPGM,” Option 5, Option 1, the system does not.
• Possible to run through all of Option 5 “Prepare for install” with an image catalog that won’t work.
• Of course the manual does tell you to do a VFYIMGCLG… • But if you try to do a VFYIMGCLG first, you’ll get: CPF3DE5
Software agreements have not been accepted.
“Can be saved” No Flag
• WRKLNK
• 8=Display attributes
• Page down: – Can be saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . : No
• Great for virtual tape, not so great if planning on saving and restoring to another system
• Generates error CPD3775
• To change (here for directory /imgclg): – CHGATR OBJ('/imgclg/') ATR(*ALWSAV)
VALUE(*YES) SUBTREE(*ALL)
Cleaning up image catalogs
• WRKIMGCLG
– Option 4 to delete
– Image files deleted
• WRKIMGCLGE
– Option 4 removes entry
– Image file associated with entry deleted
• DLTIMGCLG IMGCLG(image-catalog) KEEP(*NO)
– Keep (*NO) ensures image files are deleted
• Image catalogs take up little space
• Images take up a lot!
V5R3 & V5R4
• ADDIMGCLGE FROMFILE(*NEW)
– Allows creation of a blank writeable CD or DVD • Use for saves • Creation of new distribution media
– http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/optical/cdrom/virtual.htm
• Variety of sizes/formats – *CD650
» 650 MB – *DVD2600
» 2.6 GB – *DVD4700
» 4.7 GB – 48-16000
» Specify the number of megabytes for the new image file » Can’t copy these custom sizes to physical media
• Virtual tape (V5R4)
Limitations to writable virtual media
• Main storage dump
• Save Licensed Internal Code
• Large Custom Fix Package
– must fit on one volume
• Integrated System x Server write to virtual images
• Restore operation from virtual images on a down system
– the server is already up and running
IBM i 6.1
• NFS http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/iseries/v7r1m0/index
.jsp?topic=/rzahc/rzahcvirtoptnfsdev.htm ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/systems/support/power/i/nfs_optical_upgrade.pdf
NFS
• Two systems:
– the server
• which has the image catalog
– the client
• which is being upgraded or doing PTF’s
• Both must be at least V6R1
– a V6R1 server can serve a 7.1 upgrade image catalog – it’s just
doing file serving
NFS cont’d.
• On server: – Create image catalog – Load into virtual optical drive – VFYIMGCLG to sort the images – VFYIMGCLG IMGCLG(install) TYPE(*UPGRADE) NFSSHR(*YES)
• This creates a text file (VOLUME_LIST) in the image catalog directory listing the files – Start NFS
• STRNFSSVR *ALL – Export the image catalog
• CHGNFSEXP OPTIONS('-i -o ro') DIR(‘/imgclg/install') – Set minimum authorities
• CHGAUT OBJ(‘/imgclg/install') USER(*PUBLIC) DTAAUT(*RX) SUBTREE(*ALL) – Add the /CATALOG_DIR/BOOTP directory as the Trivial File Transfer – Protocol (TFTP) alternate source directory
• CHGTFTPA AUTOSTART(*YES) ALTSRCDIR('/imgclg/install/BOOTP') – Ensure QTFTP has *RX authority to install files
• CHGAUT OBJ('/ imgclg/install /BOOTP') USER(QTFTP) DTAAUT(*RX) SUBTREE(*ALL) – End and restart TFTP
• ENDTCPSVR *TFTP, STRTCPSVR *TFTP
NFS cont’d.
• On client: – Need to use STS interface to connect
• Needs to connect during upgrade when system is “down” • If already have LAN or Ops console, use that interface • If not assign one in SST • Notes:
– Only supports IPv4 – Does not support jumbo frames – Can use virtual Ethernet, but will get this warning:
» Warning: Selected resource is not full LAN console capable. » That’s because you can’t hook up a console to virtual Ethernet,
but works great for sharing image catalogs! » Adapter cannot be in use by an IBM i Ethernet line
• STRSST, Option 8 'Service tools user IDs and Devices' then F13 Select STS LAN adapter
• F7 (Store) • F14 (Activate)
NFS cont’d.
======================================================================== Configure Adapter Port Type choices, press Enter to verify input. Resource name . . . . . . . : CMN04 Adapter type . . . . . . . : 268C Adapter model . . . . . . . : 002 Adapter serial number . . . : 00-D00003 Internet address . . . . . . 10.1.2.11 IP Address of THIS system (the client) MUST be unique Gateway router address . . . 10.1.2.5 address of server Subnet mask . . . . . . . . . 255.255.255.0 Subnet Host name for service tools . IUSR03LANCON Can be anything Node . . . . . . . . . . . . 000000000000 (0 is default) Duplex . . . . . . . . . . . FULL HALF, FULL, AUTO Network speed . . . . . . . . AUTO 4, 10, 16, 100, AUTO Ethernet standard . . . . . . ETHV2 ETHV2 F3=Exit F5=Load F6=Clear F7=Store F12=Cancel F13=Deactivate F14=Activate F15=Reset Config on next D-IPL F17=Deactivate followed by activate Warning: Selected resource is not full LAN console capable. ========================================================================
Special thanks to Dr. Franken (Larry Bolhius) for advice in this section
NFS cont’d.
• On client, cont’d.
– Create virtual optical device that points to server: • CRTDEVOPT DEVD(NETOPT) RSRCNAME(*VRT)
LCLINTNETA(*SRVLAN) RMTINTNETA(’10.1.2.5’) NETIMGDIR(’/imgclg/install’) Exact NFS share – case sensitive
– Vary on device • VRYCFG CFGOBJ(NETOPT) CFGTYPE(*DEV) STATUS(*ON)
– Make sure PTF’s specific to NFS install are on systems • 6.1 see APAR II14310
• 7.1 see APAR II14482
IBM i 6.1
• DUPOPT
– create actual media from a virtual image
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/iseries/v7r1m0/index.jsp?topic=/rzam4/rzam4virtualimage.htm
IBM i 7.1
• QVOIFIMG – If using the Electronic Download Delivery (ESD) process along with image catalogs to upgrade to
Version 7 Release 1, there is a new API called QVOIFIMG that will allow you to add all files within the image catalog directory to the image catalog automatically. This API is provided as PTFs in V5R4, V6R1 and V7R1.
• V5R4Mx - SI39365
• V6R1Mx - SI39364
• V7R1Mx - SI39362
– Use the CRTIMGCLG command to create a new image catalog.
– Use the ESD process to download the required images to the image catalog directory.
– Use the QVOIFIMG API to add the downloaded files to the image catalog.
– Use the WRKIMGCLGE command to ensure all the expected files were added.
– Use the LODIMGCLG command to associate the image catalog with a virtual device.
– Use the LODIMGCLGE command to mount each of the catalog entries to verify they are valid images
Appendix - V5R1
• Virtual optical support delivered by PTF
– SI10553
– Cover letter is a good concise reference, even if not on V5R1
• Only usable for one thing
– STRVRTINS
• Cannot restore object *IMGCLG to another V5R1 system
– But can restore images
– Can also create PTF image catalog (but not use until after upgrade)
Appendix - V5R1
• V5R1:
– CRTDEVOPT DEVD(OPTVRT01) RSRCNAME(QVRTOPT) ONLINE(*YES) TEXT(text-description)
– Can only have as many virtual optical drives as physical optical drives in V5R1
– In V5R1, can only use names QUPGRADE1, QUPGRADE2, QUPGRADE3 for image catalogs
In print
• System i News February 2009
Change Your Computing Life with Image Catalogs
Experience
The Omni User
